Can this exciting new-look Argentina finally give Lionel Messi World Cup glory? Inform your bets ahead of the 2022 World Cup with the Argentina team preview from Pinnacle.

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World Cup 2022: Argentina preview

After a tumultuous decade on the pitch, Argentina seem to have found a new calm under coach Lionel Scaloni.

Argentina won their first major trophy since 1993 when triumphing at last year’s Copa America and after going unbeaten in qualifying, will travel to Qatar in fine spirits.

This is likely to be Lionel Messi’s final international tournament and having lost in the final in 2014, the maestro has extra motivation to guide his country to a third World Cup title.

Read on to inform your predictions for Argentina at World Cup 2022.

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World Cup 2022: Argentina's key stats

Manager: Lionel Scaloni

Key player: Lionel Messi

FIFA World Ranking (at time of writing): 3rd

Recent performances: World Cup 2018 – Round of 16, World Cup 2014 – Runners-up

Odds to win Group C: 1.400* (-250)

Odds to win World Cup 2022: 7.500* (+650)

World Cup 2022: Argentina’s schedule

All times listed are CET (Central European Time).

November 22, 11:00: Argentina vs. Saudi Arabia

November 26, 20:00: Argentina vs. Mexico

November 30, 20:00: Poland vs. Argentina

World Cup 2022: How will Argentina fare in Group C?

Argentina should have no problems progressing from Group C, with the chaos that overshadowed Jorge Sampaoli’s reign and saw them go out in the round of 16 in 2018 being replaced by the quiet confidence they have shown under Scaloni.

They open their tournament against Saudi Arabia and should win comfortably, with them priced at 1.153* (-654) to do so. Argentina then play Mexico, a nation they have not lost against since 2004, before concluding their Group C campaign against Poland.

Argentina will expect to win at least two of their Group C games and should take top spot in the group.

World Cup 2022: An analysis of Argentina’s squad?

Scaloni has understandably built his squad around Messi and has also found a way to get the best out of his other talented players without unbalancing the side.

Their strength is in the attacking positions, with Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez battling it out for the striking role, although both could feature in tandem at some stage.

Argentina also have depth in midfield, with plenty of creativity provided by Alejandro ‘Papu’ Gómez, Ángel Di María , Giovani Lo Celso, and Alexis Mac Allister. Meanwhile, Rodrigo de Paul, Leandro Paredes, and Guido Rodríguez are happy to do the dirty work.

Emiliano Martínez’s emergence as a capable Premier League first choice since 2020 has also finally provided them with a goalkeeper of international class, but there are questions regarding those immediately in front of him.

Nicolás Otamendi and Cristian Romero are being put under pressure by Lisandro Martínezfor a starting role in central defence, but an inability to settle on two full-backs demonstrates a lack of depth on the flanks of their defence.

World Cup 2022: What tactics will Argentina use?

Argentina have switched between a 4-3-3, 4-3-1-2, and 4-2-3-1, with Messi either playing from the right or in the hole behind the striker, depending on where the coach feels he can maximise his captain’s talents.

Playing with a back four seems non-negotiable for Scaloni, while he often favours fielding two defensive-minded midfielders to provide extra protection and allow Messi and his fellow forwards further freedom to flourish.

World Cup 2022: Is there value in Argentina’s odds?

Argentina are rightly among the favourites to shine at World Cup 2022 and their build-up suggests they will arrive in Qatar well-prepared and with a clear plan.

As of writing, they are fourth in the outright betting at 7.500* (+650) and will now be looking for global glory after winning last year’s Copa America.

A decent draw in Group C means they are likely to face Denmark in the round of 16, although there could be a nightmare scenario of a repeat last-16 tie against France, as was the case in 2018, if the Danes usurp the champions in their group.

Any team that goes deep into the World Cup has to overcome numerous pitfalls but the newfound unity in the Argentina squad suggests they will be ready to take down the opposition, rather than themselves.

Looking forward to World Cup 2022? Check out the latest World Cup 2022 odds on every match, plus Outright markets and more, with Pinnacle.

Don't forget to read our previews for all 32 teams at World Cup 2022 where you can find in-depth analysis of each team competing in Qatar.

*Odds subject to change

 

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